Staff Handbook April 2003 Revised February 2006 Preface This eighth edition of the Hamilton College Staff Handbook contains many of the policies that currently affect members of the Staff. While these policies govern the situation until such time as they are formally changed, the College reserves the right to alter these policies at any time. This Handbook is provided for purposes of information only and its contents are not to be interpreted as a contract between the College and members of the Staff. Nothing in this Handbook should be construed as a guarantee of employment. Hamilton College is a coeducational, residential liberal arts community whose members value and seek intellectual and cultural diversity. The College encourages respect for political, religious, ethnic, racial, physical, generational, sexual and affectional, and intellectual differences, because such respect promotes free and open inquiry, independent thought, and mutual understanding. The College complies with all relevant State and Federal laws on non-discrimination, and is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer. The Senior Associate Dean of Students/Title IX Coordinator, Hamilton College, Clinton, NY 13323, (315) 859-4802, is the person responsible for coordinating the College’s efforts to comply with Title IX of the Education Amendment of 1972, as well as its procedures for dealing with harassment and discrimination on the basis of age, gender or gender identity, race, color, national origin, sexual and affectional orientation/association, military or veteran status, marital status, mental/physical disability, genetic information, ethnic origin, religion, or any other characteristic protected by law. Table of Contents About the College ........................................................................................................................................ 1 General Policy and Regulations ................................................................................................................. 2 General Employment Policy ..................................................................................................................... 2 The Staff and Staff Compensation Policies .............................................................................................. 2 Types of Employment ............................................................................................................................... 2 Introductory Period ................................................................................................................................... 3 Hours of Work .......................................................................................................................................... 3 Overtime ................................................................................................................................................... 3 Procedures in the Event the College is Closed ......................................................................................... 4 Notification Procedures ............................................................................................................................ 4 Chronic Lateness or Absence .................................................................................................................... 4 Leave of Absence without Pay ................................................................................................................. 5 Maternity Leave .................................................................................................................................... 5 Military Leave ....................................................................................................................................... 5 Family and Medical Leave Act ............................................................................................................. 5 Extended Absences Due to Personal Illness or Injury .............................................................................. 6 Court and Jury Duty .................................................................................................................................. 6 Service to the College ............................................................................................................................... 6 Retirement Policy...................................................................................................................................... 6 Change of Name, Address, Marital Status, or Dependents ....................................................................... 6 Termination of Employment ..................................................................................................................... 6 Notice of Resignation ............................................................................................................................ 6 Exit Interview ........................................................................................................................................ 7 Job Elimination ..................................................................................................................................... 7 Discharge .............................................................................................................................................. 7 Payroll Information .................................................................................................................................... 7 Pay Procedures .......................................................................................................................................... 7 Payroll Deductions .................................................................................................................................... 7 Benefits ......................................................................................................................................................... 8 Health Insurance ....................................................................................................................................... 8 Group Term Life Insurance ...................................................................................................................... 8 Flexible Compensation Plan ..................................................................................................................... 8 Voluntary Benefits .................................................................................................................................... 8 Basic Retirement Plan ............................................................................................................................... 8 Voluntary Tax-Deferred Retirement Contributions .................................................................................. 9 Social Security .......................................................................................................................................... 9 Unemployment Compensation .................................................................................................................. 9 Vacation .................................................................................................................................................... 9 Holidays .................................................................................................................................................. 10 Personal Days.......................................................................................................................................... 11 Sick Leave ............................................................................................................................................... 11 Staff Sick Leave Bank ............................................................................................................................ 11 Staff Emergency Leave Bank ................................................................................................................. 12 Disability Insurance ................................................................................................................................ 13 Workers’ Compensation ......................................................................................................................... 13 Death in the Family ................................................................................................................................. 13 Educational Opportunities ...................................................................................................................... 13 Tuition for Job-Related Courses ......................................................................................................... 13 Courses at Hamilton ........................................................................................................................... 14 Scholarship Plan for Dependent Children .......................................................................................... 14 Scholarship Plan for Spouses ............................................................................................................. 15 Benefits for Domestic Partners ............................................................................................................... 15 Credit Unions .........................................................................................................................................